Chapter 0262

During a mental self–defense lesson, Julian tried to instruct me on the best way to evade answering

Terry’s invasive questions.

“He’ll goad you,” Julian said. “You just have to keep your head. If all else fails, just don’t say a word. He

can’t twist your words if you don’t give him any to twist.”

As the lesson went on, I started to notice something was off with Julian. He didn’t smile as much as he

had in the past. A line was often seen splitting his brow.

I stopped him near the end of the lesson. I couldn’t wait any more before asking, “Are you okay?”

He opened his mouth. Closed it. Blinked a few times. “What makes you ask?”

“You seem… different. Like something’s bothering you.”

He laughed a little, but it sounded nervous. “Can’t a guy have some nerves before a big operation? This

event could make our break our entire case against the underground organization.”

I shrugged. “It’s not like you to show your nerves. Usually you play it off.”

“Yeah, well, I guess there’s more to lose this time than usual.”

I tilted my head, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Come on, Piper. Is it so hard to believe that I’m actually worried about you and Elva?”

The words startled me. “You… are worried… about me?”

“And Elva,” he said.

It was hard to believe. I never bought into the idea Julian often pushed of himself, that he cared for no one but himself. But to hear him say he was actually worried for Elva and I… And to see it in the lines of his face, and the slight tremble of his voice…

I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Thave something for you,” he said, and reached into the bag he had at his side. From it, he produced a

all velvet box, He handed it to me. “It might help us both.”

open the box. Inside was a beautiful golden necklace, a pendant on a chain. The pendant was

of a full moon

જેમાં

  1. my finger along the

to the tow

out of the box then held it out for me. As it dangled, I saw

you are in trouble, all

pinged to my phone. I can come rescue

gift. “Thank you so much, Julian. Does

get the message?”

hesitated. His smile wavered. For a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash

gone.

I didn’t mean

fine, Piper. I can set it up so it goes to him too. The more the better, anyway. Increase

saving you.”

strangely now. Talking too fast.

couldn’t be. Even if Julian worried about me, which he must have to give me such a

Yet…

Julian. I mean

and we continued on, both

spent way too long in my closet trying to pick out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like a circus tent. This was the only one Nicholas approved of. But… it was so

of fashion, I couldn’t

for the modest black gown with the high collar. I draped my new necklace

gold glistened against

I kissed Elva

for your Nanny and Mark,”

will she promised,

decided for Elva’s sake that she shouldn’t go anywhere near Terry’s

to guard

+15 BONUS

Piper,” Mark said.

“Thank you, Mark.”

I met with the other candidates. A line of black sedans circled down the driveway. Each car stopped and a

last three of us, Nicholas

his own car. When he saw me,

lip curled up into a snarl.

swallowed hard. He looked

Or both.

over to me before I could even think to move. He

to

voice low and growly. He

staring openly at my breasts.

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